Scrumptious Seafood: Grilled Scallops with Orange Quinoa

Craving a light and delicious almost-summer dinner? Look no further than this delectable dish featured in the Vancouver Sun. When shopping for scallops, aim for the farmed off-bottom variety – a clear best choice on the SeaChoice guide. Bon appetit!
Grilled Scallops with Orange Quinoa
Serves 6
Twelve wooden skewers, 8-inch length, soaked in water for 30 minutes are needed to make this dish.
Quinoa
- 1 1/2 cups quinoa
- Grated zest (rind) from 1 large orange; *use the orange to make juice for the dressing
- 1 teaspoon coarse or kosher salt
Scallops
- 1 1/2 pounds (750 g) large scallops (16 to 20 size)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons coarse or kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
Dressing
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup fresh orange juice (*from the large orange)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon coarse or kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
Chickpeas
- 1 can (19 ounces/540 g) chickpeas, drained, rinsed
- 1/3 cup chopped, fresh, flat-leaf parsley
Quinoa: In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups water and the quinoa, grated orange zest, and salt to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat so the mixture simmers slowly, covered, until all the liquid has been absorbed, 10 to 12 minutes. Fluff with a fork, cover pan, and let stand for 10 to 12 minutes.
Scallops: Place a grill pan over medium high-heat or preheat grill or broiler. Thread three scallops onto each of 12 skewers, arranging scallops about a half-inch apart. Drizzle the scallops with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Grill or broil until cooked through, two to three minutes per side.
Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, orange juice, lemon juice, salt and pepper until smooth.
To serve: Put the quinoa in a large serving bowl, add the dressing, the chickpeas and parsley, tossing until coated. Arrange grilled scallops on top and serve.
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